Bracketology Pt. 1, WVU...and other stuff

Well, what do I think of the brackets? Hmmm...where to start? It's going to take all week to get all this in...I'll start slowly. First, I think Cincinatti getting snubbed was a mistake. I think they had the resume to get into the dance and I'm surprised the selection committee would put an Air Force in and leave the Bearcats out. I guarantee they were left out because 8 other Big East teams were already in. The committee didn't want 9 teams in from a single conference...8 was already a record. But, Cincinatti was robbed.

West Virginia will draw Southern Illinios in the first round. Scary game. The Sulukis posted a 22-10 record in the much-hyped Missouri Valley Conference. More information on the Suluki players can be found at MSNSportsnet.com or somewhere else...I'm not going to go into the matchups and everything because everyone else is and I don't see any reason to repeat their work.

West Virginia's chances could rest solely on the ability of Mike Gansey to get back on track. I've heard some rumors about his ailments...but the official story is an abdominal strain. He has really looked worn out the past couple weeks and his play has been sub-par. If he and Pittsnogle can't get back on the same page, the Mountaineers could find an early exit from the NCAA's this year. I would be really upset if that happened but I refer to an earlier article about what a great team this has been. I hope they can go deep...I think, at the end of the game, WVU will find a way to move past Southern Illinois and get a chance to play Iowa in the 2nd round. The play of Herber and Collins will be instrumental in this first round game.

I don't see any upsets coming for the #1 seeds in the first round...each should move on without problem. All four #2 seeds will advance as well but I disagree with seeding Tennessee as a 2. I thought Gonzaga, despite the close games, was more deserving of a #2 seed. Speaking of Gonzaga, they could have some trouble with Xavier but I would be real surprised if any of the 3 seed fell. So, to recap, I have every 1, 2 and 3 seed advancing to the 2nd round. I'll continue predicitons tomorrow.

As for other complaints to the committee, I think George Washington was seeded to low at an 8, especially when you consider they will have to play Duke in the second round should they get there. I think this shows a complete lack of respect for the A-10 given the great season that GW had (26-2 overall, 16-0 in conference play; excluding tournament). I thought Pittsburgh was seeded too low following their late run and 24-7 overall record (RPI: 8). I also thought Boston College might put up a run for a 3-seed but I can't argue too much with a 4. UNC could have been a 2 if they had beaten BC. UNC second round against Michigan State could be an awesome game...Hansbrough v. Davis. I'll make predictions for lower seeds starting tomorrow...

Aside from basketball, I watched a couple games of the World Baseball Classic last night. The United States defeated Japan 4-3 after a controversial base tag call and a foot pulled off the bag. It was a great game...I was surprised. Then, I saw Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic play some. The crowd was so into it...it was pretty awesome. I think the WBC is far more important to other countries than it is to the United States...we kinda yawned at the idea. They are genuinely invigorated by it. I'm not sure anyone in the US was paying attention until Canada pulled the upset against us and nearly knocked us out of it completely. I can't wait to watch more...I'm exicted by it now. Hope to see the US play Cuba and/or the Dominican Republic at some point.

The one thing that struck me during the Dom/Pur game was that Dominican pitcher Bartolo Colon is huge. I mean this guy looks like he should be playing on the offensive line somewhere. He is a big boy. Oh, and for the A-Rod haters out there, he got the game winning hit for the United States. Sorry.

I'm now getting ready to watch the finale of the Flavor of Love on VH1 in which Flavor Flav chooses his woman. If you haven't seen this show, you need to watch it...it's hilarious. I don't know how VH1 signed Flavor to all this garbage, but he's pure gold...including his teeth.

Selection Sunday is Here

Is there anything worse than Duke winning? Seriously. It just kinda ruins my day. The sky gets darker...the sun goes away. Syracuse and Duke are on my most disliked team list for this NCAA tournament. The comparisons of Redick to McNamara by Dookie V only strengthened my opinion of both teams. Why could the Reverend Al "Green" Skinner lead Boston College to the win over the Dookies? That will be the last time I ever cheer for Boston College.

When officials call off a basket due to a foul or a walk or whatever, they wave their arms in a fashion similar to a missed field goal in football. I get that...but I don't understand the rest of their motion...they kinda skip on one leg with the other leg in a half kick and bounce about 4 steps out on to the court. This isn't an isolated incident...it happens all the time. Why? Sometimes they do the same move in conjunction with a charge. Is it for emphasis? Is it required? I'm serious about this question.

The Cameron Crazies say that Sean May eats babies. But, seriously, look at Sheldon Williams. He seriously looks like a man who would eat a child or two. And maybe a fully grown adult.

Dickie V was in full Dook mode for the entire Boston College/Duke game. I'm guessing his comments went 70/30 pro-Duke. My favorite moment is when Williams made a block (and a foul with a no-call) and Dickie V said "There was no foul there?" And then caught who he as talking about and said "that's just physical play." And then he was pleased with a foul called on the other side on a similar play. Ah, Dickie V.

There's an at-large team somewhere that got really lucky that Florida held on to beat South Carolina. The Gamecocks were close...making a great run at the end of the game but a failed blockout ended their hopes of an NCAA berth.

Only a couple hours away from the NCAA Tourney selections. Should be interesting...I'll write on that stuff either tonight or tomorrow...well, sometime before the games begin.

Championship Week Disappointments Me (Esp. the Big East Tourney)

I've spent my entire Saturday afternoon and evening watching basketball. And just about every game has gone the exact opposite of how I wanted them to go. Please, Duke lose to Wake Forest. Duke beat Wake Forest. Please, UNC beat Boston College. The Eagles beat the 'Heels. I wanted St. Joes to win...nope. I wanted Vermont to get back to the NCAA this year. Nope. I wanted McCain to be man enough to see the results at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference...and, again, I was disappointed.

And, most of all, I wanted Syracuse to lose. Not necessarily so Pitt would win...but, I just wanted the Orange to go down. I'm tired of them...but, alas, it wasn't meant to be.

Some observations from the Big East Championship Game:

• I think Jim Boeheim applies a little makeup for the game...I can't say for sure but it sure looks like he's been powered. "I'm ready for my closeup Mr. DeMille"
• With 25 seconds left, Syracuse forced a turnover by committing an obvious foul that really ended the game. Officials for the game: Tim Higgins and JIM BURR!!!
• When Devendorf fouled a Pittsburg player with 19.1 seconds left, Boeheim looked a little like Satan staring him down.
• McNamara pouted when he didn't get to shoot free throws with 17.4 seconds left. If you didn't know, the Big East tournament is all about Gerry McNamara.
• Devondorf loves to pound his chest. He's down brother.
• The Krauser/Larry Bird comparison was, ummmm, weird.
• Syracuse's run to the Big East championship this year was a "miracle" according to Dan Shulman.
• Devendorf's small tantrum where it appeared that he was cussing the crowd following the game was pretty funny. We have 3 more years of this punk.
• Gerry McNamara cried after every game in the tournament. I did too.
• Syracuse is the repeat Big East champion. I really hope they are a quick out in the NCAA tournament because I can't stand anymore Boeheim or McNamara or Devendorf this year.

And, a few other things:

• I'm predicting that WVU will be a #6 seed in the NCAA tournament. Oh boy...
• Albany will be making their first ever appearance in the NCAA tournament after beating Vermont.
• UCLA won their first Pac-10 Tourney since 1987. Hard to believe it has been that long.
• Other automatics: Hampton, Kent State, Memphis
• Sorry Seton Hall...you'll be in the NIT. At least that's my prediction. No way the Big East gets 9 teams in the NCAA. Someone has to be left out and I think they are most like. Big sad face for the Pirates :-(
• J.J. Redick fell during the Duke/Wake game and the world came to a stop until he ran back on the court.
• I felt bad for St. Joseph's, who lost to Xavier. I thought the officiating during that game was pretty poor too.
• I don't want to play Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Please!
• Hey, at least Kentucky lost...
• And, if you want to see Allan Ray's eye fall out, go here. But, I warn you, it is kinda disturbing. I'm glad he's going to be alright.

And, I think that's about it for the night.

Memo to Dick Vitale

Dear Dick,

Please shut up. You have made it nearly impossible for me to watch NCAA basketball in which you commentate. I had to turn off the ACC tournament because of your annoying voice and your innane comments. You completely ruined both the FSU/Duke and UNC/BC games for me. I had to play XBox and tune into the game only occassionally to get the score but I couldn't stand watching.

I am tired of hearing you talk about Duke and Coach K when they are not on the court. I am tired of hearing about the ACC during other conferences games. I do not care if J.J. Redick and Adam Morrison are your top two choice for player of the year if they are not on the court. I do not care that you think Sheldon Williams is the greatest player alive. If I am watching UNC/BC, I do not want to hear about Duke or Gonzaga or any other team for more than a second. Please focus on the game in which you are watching.

I will agree with you that the alternate possession rule on jump balls is bad. However, I do not want to hear your opinion on it every time there is a jump ball. I know your opinion. Thank you for sharing the first 1,000 times. Stop it now.

Quit lobbying for coaches to get jobs. Do you think that you mentioning that they are a good assistant coach on tv is going to get them an interview? Thanks for the compliment to some of the coaches but please stop it. I think that if I were an A.D. and you recommended a coach to me, I would mark them off my list.

Please stop using phrases like PTPer (Prime Time Player), Diaper Dandy and Maalox Masher. I am tired of them. The fact that you must use at least two of the three phrases every game at least 12 times drives me crazy. Thus, I must mute you.

It's not too late for you though, Dick. Come out of the closet as a true disciple of Coach K and quit pretending to be unbiased. Come out and explain to the CBB fans that every time you take to the air, you are a talking head for the Duke recruiting program and end the suspicion. And then, call only Duke home games except for UNC/Duke which should be called by normal commentators so the general public can watch.

I implore you to follow my advice. If you love college basketball as much as you say you do, you will.

I Don't Like McNamara

Hey, I'll be the first to admit that he played a heckuva game against UConn and Georgetown. And the win over both was pretty remarkable...but, I'm afraid that if I was a Georgetown player, I would have punched him in the nose following the game after the final turnover. He was pounding the floor and yelling at Georgetown players. Is that a guy with class? Is that the kind of guy Boeheim will go balistic over? I'm just not so sure...

I really hope whoever they play in the Championship game beats them...not sure who it will be yet but I want them to win. I'm just not a 'Cuse fan...and I've become less of one as the days go by.

Oh, and just some wrapup stuff...

• I don't know how I let this slip by a week or so ago but Tommy Maddox was released by the Steelers. Let us all remember him as he was...throwing some great inteceptions.
• You need to watch this video on Deadspin.com with a clip from ESPNews. I will warn you...it has a bad word...
• "Bong Hits 4 Jesus"is protected speech...huh?
• How can anyone honestly support Barry Bonds? (I know it's satirical)

And, that's all I can think of...I'm outta here...

How Fast Can YOU Jump?

So, how fast can everyone get off the West Virginia bandwagon? That seems to be the question this morning...people are stomping each other to get off. Yes, I was prepared to write an entire article about how the Mountaineers wouldn't get past the 2nd round and about how they don't play as a team as they once did. I was going to write about Gansey's injury and the death of the team if he can't play. I was going to write about how the officials gave WVU every call and they still couldn't take advantage. But, then I read some messages that I saw...things like: "Calling first round out for the mounties...they play with no enthusiasm anymore..." and "WVU=overrated" and "at school, where the mountaineers bball team should be cuz they def. arent gonna win a game in the ncaa tourney..." and more of the same...so, I changed my mind. I'm not going to pile on to this team that accomplished a whole lot...instead, I will defend them today.

1) WVU has overachieved since Beilein arrived. He has taken a bunch of players no one (aside from Richmond and St. Bonaventure) wanted and turned them into a national powerhouse. No one expected the Elite Eight run last year and no one should have expected it this year.

2) WVU has still had a good season this year. Playing in the toughest conference in the nation, this team managed to finish 3rd in the Big East and received a bye in the tournament. Granted, they lost in the Second Round, but they were still there...4-teams in the Big East didn't even get that far.

3) They have hung around the Top 25 all year which means tons of national exposure for the team and for the university. And that helps recruiting. The ramifications of the success of this team will be felt for years to come. When was the last time that happened for WVU basketball...the '50s?

4) They're not done. Yes, they could lose in the 1st or 2nd round...or they could go to the Elite Eight again...or better. Who knows? It's a weird team...don't count them out.

But, regardless of what they do in the NCAA tournament, this is a team that has been largely successful and brought enthusiasm back to WVU basketball. How many people cared about WVU basketball in 2001? How many thought this team was done after the Hargett problems and Catlett leaving and Dakich running away? I did. I know you did too. But look at where we're at today...crying because WVU might now get to the Elite Eight or the Big East championship game. I feel your pain too...but, don't forget that you wouldn't be watching if it weren't for this special team.

Could Gonzaga Bust My Bracket?

Brackets haven't been made yet...conference championships still need to be completed and Selection Sunday needs to occur...but, I'm already scared. One team stands above the rest as the giant question mark in my mind...GONZAGA! More than West Virginia and North Carolina...more than Georgetown and Texas, Gonzaga could be the team that completely obliterates my bracket because I can't get them past the second round despite not knowing who they will play.

It took Gonzaga overtime to beat San Diego and then they had to rely on a botched layup to beat a sub-.500 Loyola-Marymount. The Bulldogs haven't necessarily had the toughest schedule in the nation either yet they will probably land a 2-seed in the tournament and, with a hot Adam Morrison, could make a run. But, I won't have them making a run...so, this is a team that scares me. Not that the other 64 don't scare me too...

The WVU women almost pulled the remarkable upset. Coming into the Big East Tournament, the WVU woment were 12-15 and the lowest seed to make the 12-team tourney. Well, 3 upsets later and the Mountaineers are playing UConn for the Big East title. And they almost pulled it off. But, a charge and some bad shots cost the Mountaineers a chance at the crown and at the NCAA tournament...hopefully the NIT will call since the women almost won that tournament last year.

And, tomorrow begins the Men's Big East Tournament...hopefully the WVU guys were watching the women play and got inspired. Right now, WVU is a 4-seed heading into the NCAA. A first round loss in Big East play could drop them to a 5 or 6 and make the first round really tough.

WVU and Carolina

My two favorite teams in the entire college basketball universe: West Virginia and North Carolina. No other team can come close...UNC, the kings of college basketball and defending national champion. WVU, a constant underdog...not necessarily big time but able to cause some damage from time to time. UNC = championship contender. WVU = Sweet 16 contender. Well, that's normally the way it is...but not this year.

WVU was returning a batch of seniors that had led the team to an improbable Elite Eight run the previous year. WVU was a Final Four lock for many in the preseason...a championship caliber team. UNC was losing their top 7 scorers after winning the national championship...Roy Williams was playing a bunch of freshmen and, with luck, they would be above .500 at the end of the season. Well, now fortunes have reversed a bit...UNC is playing like a championship team, WVU is struggling a bit.

Now, I'm not saying the WVU can't make a run deep into the tourney. And, I'm not saying UNC couldn't lose in the first round of the NCAA tournament. But it clearly appears these teams are heading in opposite directions with UNC winning 10 of their last 11, including a win over #1 Duke at Cameron Indoor, while WVU has lost 5 of their last 8, including losses to Cincinnatti and St. Johns. I'm not sure where these teams will end up, but the fact is that a Sweet 16 appearance by UNC is a huge victory for that young team while anything but an Elite Eight appearance by WVU will be considered a major disappointment. Hopefully both will do even better than that...

Also, congratulations to the WVU women who have become the first ever #12 seed to advance to the semifinals in the Big East tournament. I believe that improved their record to 14-15. That might have been enough to get them an invitation to the NIT...it's been a long year for the girl's basketball squad.

If you haven't been paying attention to the NFL collective bargaining agreement negotiations, you will be if there isn't an agreement tonight. If the cap isn't raised, there's going to be a lot of releases made tonight. The NFL may never be the same...good thing the Steelers got that Super Bowl victory this year.

Just some other points real quick:

• I think the Big East has earned 9 bids to the NCAA. Villanova, UConn, WVU, Pitt, Georgetown, Marquette, St. Johns, Cincinatti and Syracuse. But Syracuse needs to win at least one, maybe two games in the Big East tournament to secure their bid.
• Kentucky, even with their win over TN, hasn't earned a bid but they'll get one.
• I hope Duke and Gonzaga play in the Sweet 16. I'm not sure I will like either team but I really hate Duke.
• The Big Ten isn't that good...I don't care what anyone says.
• The laptops in my office are done...I have prepared over 25 laptops already this year for use...and that doesn't include the ones I retired.
• James Bond should not ever appear nude in a movie...seriously.

And, that's all for today...

Rushing the Court

Okay...West Virginia fans took some heat for rushing the court following their win over #9 Pittsburgh on Monday. I chalked that rush up to beating Pitt in the final game at home for the seniors rather than rushing the court because you beat the #9 team in the nation...different circumstances. Additionally, the WVU fans seemed somewhat in control on their rush...it was a celebration, not a riot. Still, though, I am not in favor of ever rushing the court really...act like you've been there...but, overall, I wasn't too embarrassed.

However, tonight, when Florida State beat Duke, well, FSU should be extremely embarrassed. Florida State fans rushed the court not once but twice. The first time with 1.7 seconds remaining in the game. The refs assessed Florida State with a technical foul which gave Duke 2 free throws to close to within 3 points. Coach K, in fear for his players safety, had those not still in the game exit the floor and head to the locker room. And, when the final buzzer sounded the Florida State won by 5, the fans rushed for a second time. And, I'm not talking a normal rush...this was an all out, step on the bodies, mad dash to center court. It looked rather dangerous and, if I were the FSU coach, I would have followed the lead of my least favorite coach and gotten my players off the court quickly.

This is a dangerous situation for coaches and players. Security should keep fans from coming onto the court in all circumstances...just like they have begun to do in football. Fans do not belong on the court whether you beat #9 Pitt or #1 Duke...stay off the court. It creates hazards for everyone involved. Coach K, as much as I dispise him and his players, should not have to worry about fan involvement in a hostile environment. Yell, boo, cheer, heckle, chant...those are to be accepted. Storming the court, no.

AHHHH...My Eyes Burn

Be prepared...this is the most horrible picture I have ever seen:

No, that isn't Serena Williams either...it's Barry "I didn't use steroids...well, maybe by accident" Bonds. Now, I heard on PTI last night about how this makes Barry "human" and more "likeable" and shows he has a "sense of humor." Wrong. This shows Barry is trying to make a television show.

In case you hadn't heard, Barry Bonds is going to star in his own reality TV show. And, yesterday, the day this picture was taken, was the first day of taping. Coincidence? I think not. Barry is not "human"...he is a freak show and this just proves it. I really don't like Barry Bonds...especially in drag.

CBB Officiating is Horrible

Okay, I ranted about Jim Burr the other day...now, I must do the same thing about Tim Higgins. Once again, I'm not saying they are cheating for one team or the other but the officiating is horrendous. How many walking calls weren't made? How many fouls weren't called? And, it's not just the Big East...I watched a Big 12 game following the WVU/Pitt matchup in which Burr was the ref and that game was also poorly called. Basketball is basketball...not football, not hockey.

Anyway, good game for the Mountaineers...huge in the terms they get a first round bye in the Big East tournament and helped their overall seeding in the NCAA Tournament. They need to beat Cincy to carry some momentum into New York. Can they win the Big East? Yes...I think they have a shot. Look at the competition...we've already beaten Villanova and we gave UConn a good matchup. If the shots are falling, watch out.

As for the NCAA...too early to start calling anything yet. Yes, we have a shot of getting deep into the tournament. I'm just not sure...maybe if they play the German National Anthem before every game for Herber or something we'll have a shot.

But, that's about it...going back to work now.

Work is INSANE

This working thing has to stop...it is absolutely insane here. Just to give you an idea, I currently have no less than 15 laptops in my office that range from a Dell 486 to a 1.7 GHz HP NC6200. Basically, the task is to determine which ones can run and which ones can't. I want them all on XP so that naturally retires the 486's and 133's. But, technically, I can get a 266 MHz to run XP as long as there is 256MB of RAM but some of them only have 2 or 3GB hard drives which causes a problem. And, that project, which should not be my project to begin with, has consumed my office.

On top of that, I'm trying to do my other officely duties taking care of folks and stuff like that...fun stuff indeed. I'm trying to prepare a presentation for an office meeting sometime soon. Trying to get people out the door with equipment. I'm going absolutely insane and I'm not sure anyone here cares that much. But, anyway, that's work...and, I found a 16th laptop. I think only pictures can do this justice...so, here they are:

A Few More Pictures

And maybe the best of all the pictures:


This laptop can be yours today for the low, low price of $29.95.

Referee Jim Burr

Could Jim Burr possibly be any worse at officiating a basketball game? I think he gets confused a lot and thinks he's at a football game. Watching the WVU/Syracuse game, I watched the guy calling a phantom walk on Herber followed by a refusal to call a foul on an obvious hack on Gansey. I think the guy is just bad at his job. And I'm not sure that he's really biased against WVU because he makes horrendous calls on both teams...I know they want the Big East to be "tough" but that doesn't mean a hockey game needs to break out. Maybe Burr isn't really worse than any other official...but, it always seems like if there's a bad call, Jim Burr is nearby.

I said earlier this month that I think McNamara has gotten worse...and I think the WVU game showed it. If it wasn't for Devendorf, they wouldn't have had a chance. McNamara made some good shots but he missed more than he made...he threw up some really bad stuff. I think he might have a Napoleon complex. McNamara walked around the 5:30 mark and gave the ref a little lip...he needs smacked around a little.

Back to Devendorf...I think if Pat Beilein would have been like "bring it," he would have tried to take on the entire WVU team by himself. He just seemed to have that type of attitude. I think that would have been a good strategy for the Mountaineers...just bring it. And, is it a requirement at Syracuse that the two white boys on the court have to look like skinheads? Just wondering.

WVU really needs to work on their in-bounding plays. I have never seen a team who has had more problems getting the ball in play and wasting more timeouts because of those problems. It's so unnecessary. Additionally, I don't understand why every team we play just doesn't go inside on every play. WVU has no inside presence on defense. Playing West Virginia is a dunker's dream.

J.D. Collins has been playing better...less garbage shots, more good passes. Less drives...more kickouts. Good J.D., good. Herber needs to catch the ball when he's open instead of letting it go through his legs...killer at the 1:10 mark with only 3 fouls. This is the disadvantage to not having many fouls. And, this is the disadvantage of having no inside defense. But, we'll see what happens. And, WVU made the stop...down by 2 with 0:39 remaining.

Boeheim wanted a foul on McNamara's drive even though there clearly wasn't one. Burr ignored him...maybe he's not so bad. Beilein throws up a shot from halfcourt. Missed it...this game is over folks. WVU - 3 game losing streak. I really don't like Syracuse. I just don't understand that last play. I wish J.D. or Gansey would have flipped off the Syracuse crowd at the end of the game...they were ridiculous. Oh, and great blockout on that free throw guys. Awesome.

Kobe Makes Me Ill

Watching the NBA All-Star game last night, which ranks 2nd among the best all-star games behind basketball, was entertaining at times but Kobe Bryant just ruined all the fun I had watching it. The West was up 21 and the East came back to win, which is pretty remarkable. But, towards the end when Kobe and LeBron were mixing it up, you had the feeling that Kobe Bryant's entire feeling of self-importance was on the line. And, I just can't stand him. I wish Shaq would just sit on him and get it over with.

Barry Bonds announced that 2006 would be his last year. I wish he'd just retire now. Bonds is the only guy in baseball who is receiving a free pass on the steroids issue. McGuire's reputation has been destroyed. Sosa can't even get on a team. But everyone still treats Bonds like a god. I mean, this is the guy whose personal trainer is a known steroid pusher yet people are trying to kid themselves into believing that Bonds is clean. A lot of people are saying McGuire may not get into the Baseball Hall of Fame on the first vote but Bonds is a lock. How is that fair? Bonds is as guilty, if not more so, for the entire streroid era in baseball and I think it's ridiculous for this scum to get a free pass because he's going to pass Babe Ruth in homeruns. Babe Ruth = hero. Barry Bonds = louse.

Of course Jimmy Johnson won the Daytona 500 just because I really didn't want him to. One of my co-workers is a Johnson fan and I don't like either one of them really...

WVU plays Louisville tonight...I hate to say any game is a must-win but it would be nice to get the victory. It's important to get back on the winning track and Louisville is not that great so this would be a good victory.

That's about it for now...it's Presidents' Day but I had to come into work...and, I'm leaving now because, well, I'm done.

The Olympics Are Still Going...

I have tried to watch the Olympics...I mean, it is entertaining but generally by the time NBC airs it, I have already seen the results. And, the ratings have been low for the Olympics so far, which is not surprising. Number one reason is my complaint...who wants to watch it when you know the Americans already lost. Number two, don't we all kinda expect the USA to win everything or at least be in a position to win everything? I mean, I guess we're spoiled.

The only sports I have liked is the speed skating and the snowboard cross...that was pretty neat. I've watched some curling...I don't know why but at least I understand what they're doing. Ice skating...I have no idea. I saw ice dancing the other night...how is that a sport? I don't understand why they have to do all that dancing stuff in the regular ice skating either...the only thing worth watching is the jumps and stuff...not all the dance stuff. Weird sport.

In other news, WVU is 0-2 this week. I can't say they struggled against UConn but getting outrebounded by 20 is tough to overcome. I don't think there's any solution for it at this point. And did anyone else see Rashad Anderson flip off the student section. It was very prominent on CBS...I can't believe no one picked up on this. Did the crowd of 14,683 see it? I want to see a picture. UConn is my NCAA champion this year.

Other stuff from the week that I didn't get to earlier because I have been too busy at work to update:

• I'm glad Indiana chased off Mike Davis. He whined too much. They need to beg Bobby Knight to come back.
• Nate Robinson should not have won the dunk contest...not that I care that much. I really dislike the NBA.
• Shani Davis is the first black to win an individual gold. He seemed real happy about it.
• The Daytona 500 is today. My pick: Please, anyone but Gordon or Jimmy Johnson.
• How is Dick Vitale a finalist for the Basketball Hall of Fame? I think he's hurting college basketball...I'm almost to a point I can't watch a game he calls. He's like the Lee Corso of basketball...
• Has anyone else seen the VH1 show WebJunk 20? Basically, they take the funny videos off the Internet and show them on a TV show. I'm not a fan of that...videos on the Internet belong on the Internet.
• And this: http://www.ebaumsworld.com/videos/mazeprankcry.html is a funny video on the Internet.

That's about it for today...I'll try to be a little more timely on the updates...

I Love E-Mail...

Here's an e-mail I received today...

DONT PAY THOUSAND FOR SAME SOFTWARE, WE SELL AT ONLY $15-60 FOR ALL SOFTWARES

sugar goes she raise light. embarrass my out find embarrass friends?bad companion carefully the you? corner young news bad my?force find steps shining steps friends.not off social my. bad the money. sandwich whom bad suddenly development letters.added anybody not drew friends?

I couldn't have put it better myself...and that's my update for today since the Mountaineers blew it against Seton Hall. Every time I'm back on board for a great run, they lose to a team like the Pirates.

Eddie Sutton Made Me Sad

Eddie Sutton, the 69-year old coach of Oklahoma State, is done coaching for the year after being involved in a traffic accident in which he was cited for driving under the influence. If you don't know Eddie Sutton, see his picture below...and tell me, does that look like a guy who would get cited with DUI?


In all seriousness though, it is sad. I really like Eddie Sutton...I mean, look at the guy...how can you not support someone like that? If you're wondering how good of a coach Eddie is, look at his record...an astouding 794-310. He is the first coach to ever take 4 teams to the NCAA tournament. His son will take over at Oklahoma State...I'm not sure we'll ever see Eddie Sutton coaching again.

In other news...Kentucky is likely to miss the NCAA tournament...the Wildcats have one victory against an NCAA Tourney worthy team. That team: West Virginia. But, that was in November when WVU was losing the bulk of their games...a whopping 3.

CBS thinks the Mountaineers are still a Top 10 team despite their loss to Pittsburgh...the Sportsline Top 25 has West Virginia at Number 7...a move UP one spot since last week. I guess that win in the MCI Center resonated...

Is it me or did Gerry McNamara of Syracuse become bad? Yeah, he's averaging 16+ points a game but he's shooting 31% from 3-land and 34% overall. Maybe the defenses are playing him tougher...but I swear he was better last year. I mean, he's feeding his team with assists but his shooting has been atrocious.

Is anyone watching the Olympics? Maybe I'll talk about them tomorrow...but that's it for today.

The 'Nog Returns

Well, Pittsnogle returned and WVU basketball rolled over the G'Town Hoyas by a score of 69-56. After the uninspired 0-12 night against Pittsburgh, Kevin rebounded to score 25 against Georgetown at the MCI Center. The win was Coach Beilein's 14th victory over ranked opponents in his short tenure at WVU. More impressive, it was his 12th away from the Coliseum.

You could tell early in the game that WVU had gotten back into their groove...good cuts, a lot of movement and tough defense. And, even though they hit a rough spell approaching half, they still played good ball...just some uncharacteristic turnovers. But the second half was pure genius by Beilein. First, the 'Eers went away from their trademark 1-3-1 defense and played man-to-man for the second half. This really frustrated the Hoyas. WVU's ability to recover and switch is remarkable. Second, they fed the ball inside instead of bombing away from outside the arc. The drives of Herber and Collins and the cuts of Gansey freed up some space for Pittsnogle to make some jumpers. It was poetry again...

West Virginia went only 6-21 from outside...which isn't spectacular but when the 3s didn't drop, they moved inside the arc and went 21-32, an astouding 66%. West Virginia proved a lot of things at the MCI Center: 1) The can play man-to-man if the 1-3-1 isn't working. 2) They can play inside the arc and don't have to live and die by the 3-ball. 3) Up by 10 or down by 10, the team keeps its poise and plays to the final buzzer. 4) They are going to be a tough out in the Big East and NCAA Tournament.

Best Player in College Basketball

Who is the best player in college basketball...is it J.J. Redick or Adam Morrison? Adam Morrison is a favorite because he brings a bad seventies porn 'stache to the game...and J.J. brings horrible poetry. But, don't discount the East Coast bias in the voting for CBB POY, J.J. plays at Duke, which is in North Carolina which is considerably more East Coast than Gonzaga, which is in Washington. The State, not the city. But, let's look at what else each player brings...

• Points per Game: Redick - 28.7. Morrison - 28.4. But, when you look at the schedule they have faced, Redick's points are more impressive. Advantage: Redick
• The Official Dickie V. Excitement Meter - How excited does Vitale get when he watches each player play? Well, I think it's a push. But, what will happen if these two teams meet in the NCAA tournament? His head will explode. And, if his head explodes...Advantage: CBB fans
• Toughness: Redick celebrated a 3 point field goal late in the UNC game by giving the crowd at the Dean Dome the double Shocker. And he acted tough against Boston College. Morrison looks like he's always ready to get in someone's face...and, I'm not sure I'd want him in my face. Advantage - Morrison
• Known For: Redick - Bad poetry. Getting heckled relentlessly everywhere. Being loved by Dick Vitale. Morrison - '70s style mustache. Long hair. Appearing slightly unhygienic. Being loved by Dick Vitale. But probably not writing bad poetry. Advantage - Morrison
• Location: Redick - Duke. So, well, that does it...Redick is automatically disqualified for playing at Duke. For 4 years. Automatic disqualification...he plays for Coach K...there's no overlooking that.

So, after a long and stirring debate, Adam Morrison is College Basketball's Player of the Year. Congratulations...and Tom, tell Adam what he won.

Tom: Congratulations Adam...you have won an appearance on Late Night with David Letterman where Dave will use the new Gillette Fusion razor to rid you of your 8th-grade teenage-style mustache. Back to you.

Alright, thanks Tom. And that about wraps it up for the Player of the Year honors. Thanks for joining us...and remember, Gillette is spying on you.

Confusion...

Confusion. That about sums up the opening ceremonies of the Olympic games. I mean, I did not understand hardly anything of what they did for the opening. I saw balloons with faces flying around. People in silver customs with giant white bubbles strapped to their heads. People skating near fake cows while people in the stands banged on cowbells. I saw a man dancing in flesh-colored tights and a mohawk. I heard the announcer talking about the Middle Ages and the Renaissance and the future of Italy and, well, I didn't get it. And then, this weirdo gets done dancing and a Formula One car starts doing donuts on the stage. Huh? There was a lot of fire everywhere...and some of the acrobatics were pretty cool.

Sophia Loren helped carry in the Olympic flag. I didn't even know where she was at...she's like 74 or something. And then things took another odd turn...Yoko Ono? Why in the world would have have Yoko Ono speak at the Olympics. I'm pretty sure she's not Italian. Maybe they thought having Luciano Pavarotti sing would even things out...but there is no forgiveness for putting Yoko Ono anywhere that people have to listen to her. The lighting of the torch was pretty cool...once again, lots of fire. But, still nothing exciting enough to make me feel better about watching this stuff.

The only reason to watch the opening ceremonies is to see the parade of nations and the reaction they get and to see if any country wears anything really strange. I thought the USA received a very nice welcome...a surprisingly nice welcome actually. Maybe everyone just felt sorry for them since they had to wear those ridiculous hats (I mean, did you see those stupid hats?).

I mean, I can't say it was bad...when they had the games in the States, it was still odd. I guess it's a weird ceremony every year. But, I just don't get it. I thought the Rolling Stones were really bad at the Super Bowl...but, after watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games....well, the Rolling Stones were still really bad.

You've Been Pittsnogled

A Must Read About Kevin Pittsnogle: All Hail Kevin Pittsnogle

WVU Loses to Pitt

Well, West Virginia lost to Pittsburgh at Pitt. So, now 8-1 in the conference. They were bound to lose in-conference eventually. It's just a shame it had to be to Pittsburgh. But, the Mountaineers were playing very poorly and kept it close. Let's look at the positives and negatives from the game:

POSITIVES:

1. J.D. Collins and Joe Herber attacking the basket. When the perimeter defense of Pitt had cleared the lane, J.D. and Joe went to the basket after faking passes or handoffs and had easy layups. I liked that. That exploited about the only weakness in the Pitt defense but it didn't stop Pitt from attacking the perimeter.
2. WVU defense was stout. West Virginia easily could have been blown away in this game but the defense was tough. And, considering it was 4-on-5 at times, that makes it that much more impressive (I don't count Pittsnogle as part of the defense at Pitt).
3. WVU kept it close despite lackluster games by the stars. Gansey played a decent game but didn't come up with any big plays that made a difference. Pittsnogle was a non-factor on both offense and defense. If anything, Pittsnogle hurt the Mountaineers while he was in the game.
4. Beilein was tough. I liked seeing Pat get up in the face of Krauser and fight back. There's no reason Pitt should be able to push the Mountaineers around and I appreciate the fact that Beilein and Herber and Collins were tough enough to fight back. This is another reason I'm disappointed with Pittsnogle's play last night...he just takes it. Gray was pushing him all over the court and he just let it happen.
5. Dickie V. Yeah, I really don't like him but I appreciated the continual compliments he paid the program and Coach Beilein. He really seemed genuine in his praise of the Mountaineers and that's good publicity. I also like the fact he complimented next season's recruits...that makes me feel better.

NEGATIVES:

1. Pittsnogle is in a major shooting slump. He had wide-open looks and didn't make them. He committed turnovers. His defense was horrific. The Mountaineers were better when he was on the bench. And this is about game number 3 of this bad play. I'm a Pittsnogle fan and I know he needs to shoot his way out of the slump...but if he would make up for his bad play on the offensive end with tough defense, I wouldn't criticize so much...but he didn't. He did commit fouls though.
2. Gansey is slumping too. Yeah, he may have scored 14 but he didn't come up with his normal steals or assists. I'm sure he'll work his way out of it but he's not playing the way he was 4 weeks ago, that's for sure.
3. The officiating. No, they didn't cost WVU the game because they were equally bad for both teams. This is basketball, not football. I saw more pushing, shoving, tackling, etc. in this game than in the last Marshall football game. I understand letting the teams play but Big East play has become ridiculous. I don't like ticky-tack fouls but the refs cannot allow this type of basketball to continue.
4. The loss after all the buildup. ESPN.com had run some great articles on Beilein and the program and this kinda kills that momentum. But, like I said, everyone has to lose eventually.

So, now the Moutaineers need to bounce-back against a very tough Georgetown team. It would be very easy for this team to lose a few in a row if they're not careful...hopefully, Pittsnogle gets his stroke back and they can win 4 or 5 of the next 7 games.

UNC/Duke & WVU/Pitt

Well, for a brief moment, I thought UNC could pull a huge upset last night at the Dean Dome. It's hard to believe they had as many turnovers as they did yet hung around the Dukies all night long. Tyler Hansbrough is a beast under the basket. This team is going to be awesome next year. As for Duke...I can only pray some poor little North-west Dakota Community College is able to knock them off in the first round of the NCAA tourney.

UNC/Duke might be the best rivalry in basketball, but the "Backyard Brawl," basketball-style, is tomorrow night. I haven't been able to confirm this but I've heard that this will be the first time ever that both programs are ranked in the Top 25 entering the game. It should be a heckuva matchup...if WVU can win 5 of their next 8 games, watch out. The schedule is brutal. Pitt will be looking for some revenge after last year...

Lastly today, I have heard that Buffalo is going to drop WVU from the schedule and play Auburn. Auburn has offered them more money and they just haven't gotten around to telling the Mounties yet. And, to fill that void, Kansas wants to come play at Mountaineer Field. I would be very happy to see Buffalo dropped and Kansas picked up. The home schedule this year is, so far, pretty lackluster. Cabell County Community College, Buffalo (one of the worst teams in the nation), Maryland, Syracuse, Cincinatti, USF and Rutgers. Not the greatest home schedule. If Buffalo is dropped and Kansas is added, that would mean another BCS out-of-conference game. Conf-USA, ACC, SEC and Big XII for the out of conference would be a good thing to do.

That's about it today...

How 'bout them Cowboys? I mean, Steelers

Well, after 26 years of trying to "Win One for the Thumb," the Pittsburgh Steelers finally win their 5th Super Bowl ring, tying them with Dallas and San Fran for the most in the NFL. I can't say the game was the most exciting I have ever seen in my life but, boy, was the finish nice. Neither team was awesome...Pittsburgh's offense stuttered...Seattle's offense couldn't finish their drives. The Pittsburgh defense bent...bent alot at times, but never broke and that's really what won the game. The trick play with Randle El throwing to Hines was maybe the greatest call I've seen in a long time. And Bettis finally getting a ring and then retiring on the grandest stage of them all...well, that's storybook stuff there.

But, naturally, the talk after the game is all about the officiating. Everyone is blaming the refs for the Steelers win...ESPN has a poll up asking if the refs determined the outcome of the game...Michael Smith wrote a big long article about the officials being pro-Pittsburgh. Are you kidding me? Give me a break. Let's look at the "disputed" calls. A pass interference call...that was that. Yes, it might have been a ticky-tack foul...but, it was a pushoff in the traditional sense of the word and the official called it. I'm not sure I would have but he did.

Then, there's the Roethlisberger touchdown. To me, it looked like the ball skimmed the goal line. All the ball has to do is slightly cross that white stripe at any point in the play for it to be a touchdown. To me, it looked like it did. I thought Madden and Michaels did a very poor job at explaining that to the audience. The holding call? Hey, he pulled the guy down from behind...that's holding.

I mean, there might be some questionable calls...but, that doesn't determine the outcome of the game. Seattle had a lot of opportunities to make plays to win...they didn't. The officiating did not make Hasselbeck throw the interception. The officiating did not allow Willie Parker to run 75 yards for a touchdown. I'm sick of how quickly people look for conspiracy in the losses now. There has been some bad officiating this year...but I didn't think this was one of those times.

On to other things...WVU is now 8-0 in Big East play...only the 5th team to ever start Big East play 8-0. Now, the real tests begin. They have to travel to #9 Pittsburgh who, even though they lost to a surging #22 Georgetown, is a really good team. It will be a great test of the Mounties on the road. Then they have to travel to that constantly improving Georgetown team. What follows that? At Seton Hall, #1 UConn, At Syracuse, struggling Louisville, Pittsburgh and at Cincinatti. That's a really rough schedule to end the season...if they can go 5-3 out of that, I would be happy. But, 16-0 in the Big East sounds pretty nice too...

Oh, and lastly, I've had the flu...I'm not over it. I guess I need to go see a doctor but I'm trying not to. We'll see what happens...